lower rad hose

[jimmers]

Well today i sprung a leak from the lower rad hose. Luckily i just got on the driveway when it started to spray out. The hose has a hole about close to the hose clamp near the engine. Just wondering if anyone has changed one before? I will be able to take the old hose out, but putting the new one will be hard. My hand will barely fit to push the new end on at the engine. It seems that if i take the belt tensioner off i will be able to fit my hand in there. Any advice?? Is there anyway to do this that will be easier?

 

[Edmond]

I managed to do it without taking anything off. It took some pushing, a lot of determination and even more cursing but it's still on there more than a year later.

What I do whenever I install radiator hoses is rub the inside with some coolant. It seems to help slide the hose on a little better. Every little bit helps.

 

[jimmers]

well i can understand the cursing .....i dont even know how you managed to get your hand in there.

 

[Edmond]

I do have very small hands so that was probably the advantage I had. It will take you longer to get that hose on there than it will to put the radiator in.:L

 

[jimmers]

Well i finally got a rad hose....had to call around the whole city to find one. The dealers all said they were discontinued. I hate when they say that....i mean c'mon its a corvette!!! So hopefully i can put it on easily and not have to take to much apart, because there is no way i can get my hand in there!! Edmond you must have tiny hands .

 

[WhalePirot]

Isn't that the hose with the external support to help prevent collapse? It is on mine.

 

[jimmers]

Isn't that the hose with the external support to help prevent collapse? It is on mine.

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I'm not sure......what does it look like?

After i took it off i saw springs inside of it. I've never seen that before on a rad hose. Is that to keep its shape?

 

[Florida Guy]

Yes, it helps to keep it from collapsing.